![grizzly bear shields rym grizzly bear shields rym](https://64.media.tumblr.com/68331120363b2eb65c4d9a44fbd6265a/dfae0351c8176ff8-bc/s540x810/7c6396cc7a84c635b7fcb4d25c723dfd5d3fdf80.jpg)
It’s a perfect example of proving that the band have not lost their emotional resonance one bit in the past two decades. Gently picked guitar melodies support Neil Halstead’s despondent singing for an overwhelmingly sorrowful atmosphere. Still, much of it carries a melancholic tone, like the wistful "No Longer Making Time," and “Sugar for the Pill” in particular dripping with regret. Much of the album explores different moods, but exorcises some of the bleakness that can be found on the first three records. Following the opener is the band’s most playful song to date, “Star Roving,” a delightful flirtation with post-punk revival and one of the most rewarding surprises on the record. Every note played feels like it belongs, and avoids coming across as gimmicky or pandering to a specific audience. This is the mantra of the entire album, being surprisingly dynamic with nothing sounding out of place. It’s a layered, hazy masterpiece that carries a hypnotic quality while still varying up the sounds to prevent stagnation. A looping drum beat and bass line kick it off with atmospherics, dreamy guitars, and vocals all gradually swirling into the mix. The beautiful seven-minute epic “Slomo” was a bold choice to begin the album. It can suit a wide array of emotions and listening moods, having the traditional slow-building, hazy tracks and more up-tempo ones as well. A follow-up to that musical direction may or may not come at some point, but this album is largely not meant to continue in that minimalistic, ambient excursion. This isn't done in the abstract manner of previous effort Pygmalion from 1995, technically the predecessor of this.
![grizzly bear shields rym grizzly bear shields rym](https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.44385544.0982/ssrco,mhoodiez,mens,101010:01c5ca27c6,front,square_product,600x600-bg,f8f8f8.u3.jpg)
In an attempt to please newcomers and established fans alike, the album succeeds at exploring new realms for Slowdive. It acts as the true follow-up to the band’s masterpiece Souvlaki after nearly twenty-five years since its release.
![grizzly bear shields rym grizzly bear shields rym](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/14/article-0-1D1A0E2D00000578-728_964x692.jpg)
The appropriately titled Slowdive takes the qualities of the band’s first two releases to streamline, expand, and freshen that sound for the twenty-first century. They are back with more to say to their long-time fans, and welcome a new generation hungry for fresh material from one of the original greats in the genre. All of the time passed since their initial heyday during the height of shoegaze has resulted in gaining even more songwriting experience and maturity. They have returned with a renewed sense of inspiration after two decades of pursuing other projects like Mojave 3.
![grizzly bear shields rym grizzly bear shields rym](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2FFGRYM/rome-lazio-21st-apr-2021-lemur-the-biopark-of-rome-17-hectares-1000-animals-of-150-species-including-mammals-reptiles-birds-and-amphibians-in-a-botanical-context-with-hundreds-of-trees-rome-italy-april-23-2021-photographer01-credit-independent-photo-agencyalamy-live-news-2FFGRYM.jpg)
A new generation of fans now exist, just like they do for My Bloody Valentine, and the phenomenon of the Internet since the release of their last record has brought a new, revolutionary meaning to word-of-mouth transmission. Review Summary: Slowdive make a resounding comeback with one of the strongest shoegaze albums of recent years, showing modern acts how it’s done and reminding listeners why they’re considered among the best of the genre’s heyday.įollowing the return of My Bloody Valentine a few years back, their peers, Slowdive, have also decided to come out of the woodwork for a long-awaited return.